Our Radio observatory handles the exploitation of our telescopes, LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) and WSRT (Westerbork Synthese Radio Telescope). Both telescopes are among the best radio telescopes in the world. Together with an international astronomical community we use the telescopes for outstanding scientific research.

You will work with approximately 35 professionals with a broad spectrum of expertise. The department is divided into the following groups:

In these countries there is an observation station. These stations perceive an integral part of the International LOFAR Telescope (ILT). LOFAR makes ‘images’ of unprecedented acuity and sensitivity.

At the Radio Observatory you can work on the maintenance of the mechanical and electrical infrastructure of the WSRT. Besides you can work on stations of the LOFAR telescope in the Netherlands and in other countries. You will also have an advisory and coaching role for the user groups. You will assist them with diverse issues and research projects.

Our telescopes are among the best of the world. We do everything to keep it that way and you will contribute to this. We continue to innovate and do further development of existing instruments. You will work closely with the R&D department but also with experts outside ASTRON.

Word of a staff member

Tammo Jan Dijkema

Scientific software engineer

The work at ASTRON fits perfectly with my studies Scientific Computing at the interface between physics, mathematics and computer science. I work, among other things, on the mathematics to perform faster calculations on physical and astronomical super computers. This allows the astronomers to perform their calculations more efficient. The location of the ASTRON headquarters amazing! […]